In Maryland, an extreme step against car theft

WASHINGTON – If you’re worried about your car being stolen, the Maryland State Police have a program that will help combat theft – but it carries some risk.

Under the “Watch Your Car” program, drivers sign a form saying that they don’t normally go out between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., and they receive free decals for their car.

The decals tell police they have permission to pull the car over during those hours, to make sure it isn’t stolen.

But be warned – the sign-up sheet says that if you do go out between 1 and 5 a.m., police can not only pull you over, but will assume you’re a potential car thief and take what they call “necessary precautions.”